A Texas man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing a father of five who was trying to help his son recover a stolen truck, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Background
The incident began Saturday afternoon when Louis Erebia's son was filling up his Chevrolet Silverado at a gas station in northeast Houston along Tidwell Road near John Ralston Road. London Hogan Sr., 37, approached and began questioning the younger man about the truck before pulling out a gun and stealing the vehicle at gunpoint, authorities alleged.
After the robbery, Erebia's son contacted family members. Using a GPS tracking device on the stolen Silverado, Erebia and his friend located the vehicle near I-610 North and Airline Drive in Houston.
The two vehicles collided during the pursuit, according to law enforcement. After the crash, a man and woman exited the Silverado and fled toward a nearby Chevron gas station. Erebia gave chase on foot.
"Louis didn't get shot running to danger," his sister-in-law said at a press conference sponsored by Crime Stoppers Houston. "Louis got shot running to protect."
The Investigation
As Erebia pursued the fleeing suspects, Hogan allegedly pulled out his weapon and fired several shots, striking both Erebia and his friend. Emergency responders rushed both victims to an area hospital. Erebia, 56, succumbed to his wounds while his companion survived.
Hogan was arrested the following day and booked into the Harris County Jail. His defense attorney, Wilvin J. Carter, told KRIV that Hogan is claiming self-defense in the shooting.
"He's not saying it wasn't him," Carter said. "He's saying he's point-blank about his position — he's claiming self-defense."
The defendant's court-appointed attorney also stated Hogan is not the individual who stole the truck from Erebia's son.
Key Takeaways
- London Hogan Sr., 37, has been charged with one count each of murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in Harris County
- Louis Erebia, 56, was killed while allegedly chasing suspects after locating his son's stolen Chevrolet Silverado using GPS tracking
- Hogan's defense attorney confirms he is claiming self-defense in the shooting
- A companion of Erebia's was also struck by gunfire but survived
- Hogan appeared before a judge and was denied bail; his next scheduled court appearance is June 22
What's Next
Hogan remains in custody at the Harris County Jail without bond following his court appearance. He is slated to return to court on June 22, according to court records. The investigation into the incident continues as authorities build their case for prosecution.